Juliari Batubara to Join President Jokowi’s New Cabinet

Member of House of Representatives Juliari Batubara delivers a press statement after being received by President Jokowi, at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (22/10). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

A member of the House of Representatives (DPR) and concurrently Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) politician Juliari Batubara was invited by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo to the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (22/10).

In a press statement after the meeting, Juliari told reporters that President Jokowi raised the issue of poverty alleviation and Government’s efforts to reduce poverty rate by implementing several priority programs.

“We also discussed faster and more comprehensive measures in response to natural disasters,” Juliari said.

The main focus, he added, is to ensure the programs are well-implemented so that poverty rate can be reduced continuously.

Regarding reporters’ confirmation about his position as the new minister of social affairs, Juliari said that he cannot tell about the detail.

“Nevertheless, after being assigned, I will learn and implement the programs in fast and precise manner. It is not an easy task but crucial in increasing prosperity of the country so that Indonesia can be on a par with other countries,” he explained.

Juliari went on to say that he must be ready to take ministerial duties since minister can come from various backgrounds including politician.

“Based on my background as a member of the DPR and political party, I think efforts to eradicate poverty is also quite related to what we have done so far,” Juliari said adding that he will step down from his position as a member of the DPR if he is assigned as a minister.

Juliari did not deny that on the occasion he met current Minister of Social Affairs Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in holding room of the Presidential Palace before meeting with the President.

“Ongoing programs which have been well-implemented will be carried on, while other programs will be improved,” Juliari firlmy said. (FID/JAY/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Yuyu Mulyani